Sample itinerary Tokyo to Osaka in just 7 days by Japan Rail Pass 7 days

7 to 9 days
Mt Fuji from Lake Shoji ©Akira Okada/©JNTO
Mt Fuji from Lake Shoji ©Akira Okada/©JNTO

Mt Fuji from Lake Shoji ©Akira Okada/©JNTO

I have received many inquiries about Tokyo – Osaka one way trip from many readers. But Japan Rail Pass 7 days is too much for Tokyo (even Narita) to Osaka (even Kansai) one way trip. Single fare is much cheaper than 7 days pass price. So in this itinerary, I include Mt. Fuji, Hiroshima and Miyajima and still include Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. This itinerary can be done in just 7 days from airport to airport. But if you want to travel a little more slowly and stay longer, you can add some local deals beside 7 days pass. I tell you at the end of this post about add on plan. Of course you can do this itinerary from Osaka to Tokyo.

Itinerary

This timetable is as of June, 2013. Please check the updated timetable before using this itinerary.

Narita Express is covered by both Japan Rail Pass and JR East Pass (C) Sonic Rail Garden

Narita Express is covered by Japan Rail Pass. (C) Sonic Rail Garden

Day 1 / Narita airport to Tokyo

Take Narita Express from Narita airport to Tokyo. Narita Express can take you Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Yokohama and many more stations. Of course you can take local train or Rapid train. As long as you take JR train. Japan Rail Pass cover your trip.

If you arrive in Narita early morning, you will have a time to explore in Tokyo.

If you arrive in Haneda early morning, you will have a time as well. But you cannot exchange the pass in early morning in Haneda. The exchange counter open between 11:00 and 18:30. In this case, take Keihin Kyuko to Shinagawa. Exchange window open between 9:00 and 19:00 at Shinagawa. If you want to exchange your pass much earlier, go to Tokyo station. They open from 7:30 to 20:30.

Please refer the post, How to take Tokyo Monorail or Keihin Kyuko for late arrival and early departure at Hanedato get the details about access from Haneda.

Day 2 / Mt. Fuji day trip from/to Tokyo

Find your hotels in 218 cities throughout Japan!!!

Hotels in Shinjku
Hotels in Shinagawa
Hotels in Kyoto city

First of all, access to Shinjku to catch the train to Otsuki. Shinjuku can be accessed from most stations in downtown Tokyo by JR Yamamote line, Chuo line or subway line. JR trains can be covered by JR Pass, but subway is not.

07:30 Take Limited Express Azusa #3 at Shinjuku station
08:31 Arrive at Otsuki station
08:35 Take Fuji Kyuko local train at Otsuki station
*This train goes through Fuji Kyuko line from JR line. Train departs from JR’s platform. Please see the post, Otsuki station guide. How to transfer from JR train to Fuji Kyuko train. to get the details about transfer to Otsuki station
09:21 Arrive at Fujisan station

Train on Fuji Kyuko line is not covered by JR Pass. The fare 990 yen is extra.

After arriving at Fujisan station, take bus to Mt. Fuji 5th station.
09:40 Fujisan station
10:45 Mt. Fuji 5th station
Enjoy fresh air and walk at the high elevation (2300m) area.
13:30 Mt. Fuji 5th station
14:15 Kawaguchiko station
*5th station can be accessed between mid April and mid December. But it depends on the weather. I think May to October is the season to get there.

You can use round trip bus fare for Fujisan station – 5th station – Kwawaguchiko. Round trip fare is 2000 yen. After you get Kawaguchiko station, you can go Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka or wherever you want. You can get more info at Mt. Fuji and Fuji Goko Navi.

From Kawaguchiko station, train runs every 20 to 30 minutes. I just show you the last connection to Shinjuku.
20:19 Take Fuji Kyuko local train from Kawaguchiko station
21:19 Arrive at Otsuki station
21:40 Deparr from Otsuki station by Limited Express Super Azusa #36
22:36 Arrive at Shinjuku

After arriving Shinjku, take local train or subway to get your accommodation. In Tokyo, trains run until midnight.

Actually we have one more later connection from Kawaguchiko station to Shinjuku via Otsuki. But you have to take all local trains and have to transfer between Otsuki and Shijuku. It is not recommended for the travellers.

Day 3 / Tokyo – Kyoto

Enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo before going to Kyoto. From Tokyo to Kyoto, you can take Shinkansen. Japan Rail Pass allows you to take only Hikari or Kodama. Nozomi that is the fastest train is not covered by JR Pass. But even Hikari runs every 30 minutes. So you can go to Kyoto whenever you want. I just show you the last train to Kyoto.

20:03 Depart from Tokyo by Hikari #533
23:03 Arrive at Kyoto

Day 4 / Full day free at Kyoto

Kifune shrine is very popular to see fall color leaves. But you neded to take non JR train, Eizan Railway to get there. ©JTA/ ©JNTO

Kifune shrine is very popular to see fall color leaves. But you neded to take non JR train, Eizan Railway to get there. ©JTA/ ©JNTO

Enjoy sightseeing in world famous Kyoto. But Japan Rail Pass does not cover subway, bus and private trains in Kyoto. You may have to purchase city pass. Please see the post, Japan Rail Pass is the best way to explore Kyoto? How to use Japan Rail Pass in Kyoto to get the details.

Day 5 / Kyoto – Hiroshima/Miyajima – Osaka

07:20 Depart from Kyoto by Hikari #491
09:06 Arrive at Hiroshima

If you feel this train is too early, you can take Hikari $493 (08:02/10:01). But you will lose one hour in Hiroshima/Miyajima.

From Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi, train runs every 10 minutes, 09:16, 09:26 and 09:36. I recommend you to store your luggage at Hiroshima station. You can take 09:16 train from 09:06 arrival. But if you want to store your luggage, 09:26 or 09:36 is more comfortable.

It takes 30 minutes to get Miyajimaguchi by local train. After arriving at Miyajiamaguchi, take passenger ferry to get Miyajima. This ferry service is operated by JR. So it is covered by JR Pass. About access to Miyajima, please see the post, How to access to Miyajima from Hiroshima by local train. No extra charge for Japan Rail Pass user to get the details.

It is up to you how many hours you spend in Miyajima. It takes another one hour total from Miyajima to Hiroshima via Miyajimaguchi. If you want to see many things in Hiroshima, try to finish sightseeing Miyajima as fast as you can.

When you go to Osaka, take Shikansen again. Sakura or Hikari is your choice. Trains run very frequent. I just want to tell you the last Shinkansen to get Osaka. Of course you can get an earlier Shinkansen if you want.

21:58 Depart from Hiroshima by Hikari $444
23:32 Arrive at Shin-Osaka

After arrival at Shin-Osaka, you can get Umeda (JR Osaka station) by JR trains and you can get Namba by subway Midousuji line. But subway trains is not covered by JR Pass.

Day 6 / Full day free at Osaka

You can enjoy downtown Osaka. Please see the post, “How to use and how much can we use Japan Rail Pass in downtown Osaka?” to get the details about using JR Pass in Osaka.

Day 7 / Osaka – KIX

Take Limited Express Haruka to get Kansai International Airport. You can ride Haruka at Kyoto, Shin-Osaka or Tennoji. You cannot catch this train at Osaka or Namba. You have to take local train to get these three station to catch Haruka.

If you want to travel a bit slower

As long as you use JR pass 7 days for Tokyo-Kyoto-Hiroshima-Osaka, it works. The pass is cheaper than total single fares. So you can use Suica & N’ex for the first several days in Tokyo.

On the other hand, you can finish to use 7 days JR pass at arriving Osaka from Hiroshima. You can use subway pass for sightseeing and other deals to get Kansai Airport.

Comments

  1. karen aunzo says:
    May 26, 2014 at 2:12 am

    Hi takeshi,
    i would like you to assist me on my 7days trip to japan, kindly check if my itineray is OK and worth it to have the 7day JR Pass.

    October 24 ETA in Kansai Airport at 7PM- go directly to hotel in Osaka and rest
    October 25 Early morning visit in Osaka Castle then headed to Universal Studio at 12Noon until closing
    October 26 Early check out (6AM-have to reserved seat earlier) in Osaka hotel for Trip to Tokyo. Arrived Tokyo at 10AM to the latest then try to visit Tokyo Tower for 3hrs then to tokyo disneyland from 2PM until closing
    October 27 Early schedule to Mount Fuji-no plans to hike just to see the place/mountain to take pictures – Please advice the best way/area for our Fuji Tour. Plan to be here until 1PM then go back to Tokyo by 3:30pm – stroll around Shibuya, Akihabara or Euno park.
    October 28 Go around/stroll around Tokyo until 2PM then headed to Tokyo Disney Sea until closing
    October 29 Early check out in Tokyo hotel for side trip to Kyoto before heading to Osaka. Plan to rent lockers for our luggage in Kyoto station (please advise how much is the luggage storage rent). Plan to stay in Kyoto until 2pm in the afternoon then headed to osaka by 430PM – stroll around Osaka/ then malls
    October 30 leave at the hotel by 9am then stroll around osaka until 4PM. Flight going back is at 8PM.

    Please advise if you have better option on my itineray.

    thanks
    karen

  2. Hong Van says:
    April 6, 2014 at 5:58 am

    Hi again,

    About the one day trip to Mt. Fuji, please recommend me whether enough time for the below places:
    – Mt. Fuji 5th Station
    – Shiraito Falls: This picturesque 20 m tall, 200 m wide waterfall is fed by snowmelt flowing down from Mt. Fuji.
    – Lake Motosu, Fuji Shibazakura Festival: Enjoy the beautiful harmony of Mt. Fuji and the pink carpet of 800,000 Shibazakura flowers (Moss Flock).
    – Narusawa Ice Cave
    – Hakone Komaga-take Ropeway

    About the Osaka, I plan to visit Nara and Kobe, can JR pass cover all transportation there?

    Looking forward to hear from you soon.

  3. Hong Van says:
    April 1, 2014 at 6:41 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    Thanks a lot for your recommendation. Now, we cut down the itinerary to 7 days as below:
    Day 1 (8/4): Narita/Tokyo. My EAT is 6:25.
    Day 2 (9/4): Fuji Mount and Hakone
    Day 3 (10/4): Tokyo – Kyoto. Departure from morning.
    Day 4 (11/4): Kyoto
    Day 5 (12/4): Kyoto – Hiroshima/Miyajima – Osaka
    Day 6 (13/4): Full day free at Osaka
    Day 7 (14/4): Osaka – Tokyo
    Day 8 (15/4): Tokyo – Narita. The EDT is 9:20

    In Tokyo, we will stay with a friend’s house at the Funabashi station (Chiba). So could you please show us how to go from there?
    Thanks a lot

  4. Hong Van says:
    March 28, 2014 at 10:47 am

    Hi,
    This is my first time here and I need your recommendation for our itinerary (8 days from 8-16/4) that I try to follow your route above:
    Day 1 (8/4): Narita/Tokyo. My EAT is 6:25.
    Day 2 (9/4): Tokyo City tour
    Day 3-4 (10-11/4): Fuji Mount and Hakone. Is 2 days trip too much?
    Day 5 (12/4): Tokyo – Kyoto (like urs)
    Day 6 (13/4): Kyoto – Hiroshima/Miyajima . Stay 1 night in
    Day 7 (14/4): Hiroshima/Miyajima – Osaka
    Day 8 (15/4): Full day free at Osaka
    Day 9 (16/4): Osaka – KIX. The EDT is 9:20
    Thank you

  5. Boc says:
    March 7, 2014 at 6:59 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    This is my second time to seek your advice. Thank your very much by the way for your kind assistance during our trip to Osaka, Kyoto & Nara last month. My wife & I are going back to Japan in April and this time around, we will take our kids along. Below is the itinerary I have in mind.

    Day 1: Arrive at Haneda Airport 2000, Check-in at Hotel Nikko Tokyo in Odaiba
    Day 2: Disneyland
    Day 3: Mt. Fuji, Hakone
    Day 4: Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto sightseeing, overnight in Kyoto
    Day 5: Continue Kyoto sightseeing. Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo.
    Day 6: Tokyo Sightseeing
    Day 7: Depart Haneda 0945

    Questions:

    1) Is it advisable to get a 7-day JR Pass. considering our plane will arrive at night on the first day and depart in the morning on the 7th day?
    2) if not, what kind of ticket would you recommend that can give us some savings using the subway or train?
    3) Off JR topic, but can you recommend a place in kyoto our any cities in our itinerary where we can see spectacular view of cherry blossoms?

    Thanks in advance for your reply.

    Regards,

    Boc

    • JPRail says:
      March 7, 2014 at 12:52 pm

      Hi Boc,

      Welcome back. 🙂

      I’m sure 7 days pass is your choice. It will be much cheaper than single fare.
      You can’t use JR Pass on arrival day because of late arrival. But you can use it for departure day. JR Pass covers Monorail to Haneda. However if you stay in Odaiba as well, limousine bus is easier and faster.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JR Rail

      • Boc says:
        March 10, 2014 at 10:48 pm

        Hi Takeshi,

        Thanks again for your helpful advice. Had I known that JR Pass Exchange Office in Haneda closes early, I should have taken the earlier flight to Narita. Oh well, lesson learn.

        May I ask some more questions? Can I turn in the exchange order of my wife & kids to obtain their passes without their presence? I plan to go to Tokyo Station alone to get our passes and take the shuttle bus from our hotel to disneyland. if not, can we use the JR Pass going to Tokyo Disneyland from Tokyo Station?

        Thanks again for your help.

        Regards,

        Boc

        • JPRail says:
          March 10, 2014 at 10:57 pm

          Hi Boc,

          I can’t guarantee. But I have exchanged JR Pass for myself, my wife and my daughter just by myself in Narita airport station. They were in the airport, but were not in the station. So I think you can do.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

          • Boc says:
            March 26, 2014 at 8:19 pm

            Hi Takeshi,

            Again, thank you very much for your reply. I will follow your advice of taking the limousine bus in getting to & from Haneda Airport. May I ask another set of questions? I wish to book my group in a package tour to Mt. Fuji & Hakone from Japanican.com. I feel that this will be convenient for us as Japanican.com offers free pick-up from our hotel.

            My question now is this, is it wise not to purchase Japan Rail Pass & instead get the Nozomi roundtrip ticket with free one day Kyoto sightseeing pass offered by Japanican.com at Y21,600 for our Kyoto tour and buy the Y730 Tokunai 1 day pass for 5 days?

            Thanks in advance for your reply.

            Best regards,

            Boc

            • Takeshi / JPRail says:
              March 26, 2014 at 10:42 pm

              Hi Boc,

              If you use Kyoto deal, how about trip to Hakone and Fuji? You have to pay extra for these trip too. Tokunai pass is okay but it does not cover for trip to Fuji or Hakone.

              If you go just Hakone, you can use Hakone Free Pass.
              http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
              You need to take non JR transportation in Hakone and those are not covered by JR pass anyway.

              In this case, Kyoto deal is okay.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JP Rail

  6. Liltnumber1 says:
    March 3, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    Hi, I am travelling by bus at the end of a tour. will travel from Takayama Gifu to Tokyo. I want to get off the bus along the way (Monday 4 / 8 /14 ), so I can go to Mt Fuji to climb (2 days), then to Tokyo to Narita 6/8/14. Can you suggest travel arrangements and costs?

    • JPRail says:
      March 3, 2014 at 8:49 pm

      Hi Liltnumber1,

      I’m not familiar with bus service.
      I think if you take an express bus from Takayama to Tokyo, I think you can’t get off near Fuji. You will go to Tokyo and then take another bus to Mt. Fuji.

      If you use train, I can tell you more. But I don’t know much about bus.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  7. Tim says:
    January 20, 2014 at 5:49 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    My family and I (2 adults, 1 teenage and 1 child – 11 yrs-old ) are visiting Japan in April 2014 – 9 nights 10 days . We will arrive at Kansai Airport at 1030pm 14/4 and the plan is to stay 3 nights in Osaka, 3 nights in Hiroshima and 3 nights in Tokyo.

    A rough itinerary that I have in my mind at the current moment :

    Day 1 April 14 : Arrive Kansai International Airport at 1030pm. Travel to a hotel near Osaka Station.
    Day 2 April 15 : Sightseeing in Osaka – aquarium etc
    Day 3 April 16 : Universal Studio full day
    Day 4 April 17 : Activate JR Pass. Travel to Hiroshima in the morning. Peace museum/ peace park in the afternoon. Check in hotel near Hiroshima Station
    Day 5 April 18 : Miyajima Island full day. Same hotel in Hiroshima
    Day 6 April 19 : May be travel to Kyoto – sight seeing then return to Hiroshima or spend the day in Hiroshima (not sure of which option yet)
    Day 7 April 20 : Travel from Hiroshima to Tokyo in the morning – sightseeing. Check in hotel at DisneyLand.
    Day 8 April 21 : Spend the day at Disney Land
    Day 9 April 22 : Spend the day at Disney Sea
    Day 10 April 23 : Sightseeing/shopping Tokyo. Travel to Haneda Airport – flight departing at 11.55pm

    I have tried to gather train related information – schedule and fare from hyperdia.com however was a little confused and therefore this post for assistance. I would really appreciate it very much if you could :
    – confirm if JR pass is still worth it for the trip above
    – advise timing for eligible trains to travel between the few main cities (was confused with restriction of Nozomi and Mizuho train).
    – if the itinerary can be further improved. There are rooms to travel to other places I think e.g. Mt Fuji or Kyoto.

    Thank you very much for your help.

    Regards,
    Tim

    • JPRail says:
      January 20, 2014 at 12:57 pm

      Hi Tim,

      I’m sure that JR Pass is the best choice for your trip.
      Regarding Shinkansen timetable, these following links are easier to find it.
      http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/timetable/pdf/timetable_shinkansen.pdf (Shin-Osaka to/from Hiroshima)
      http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf (Shin-Osaka to Tokyo)

      As you see the above Shinkansen timetable, there is no Hikari/Sakura/Kodaam to go to Tokyo from Hiroshima directly. You have to transfer at Shin-Osaka or Okayama.

      In my opinion, 2 nights is enough for Hiroshima/Miyajima. It’s not a good idea to go to Kyoto from Hiroshima as day trip. It takes only 1.5 hr from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima. You can get Hiroshima in the morning very easily. So you will have almost one full day in Hiroshima and another full day in Miyajima. You can stay in Kyoto on the way to Tokyo. It takes another 2.5 hr to Tokyo from Shin-Osaka. It will be 4 hrs + transfer time if you go to Tokyo from Hiroshima. If you stay in Kyoto, your trip will be a bit more comfortable.

      If you prefer to go to Fuji, you can go to Tokyo one day earlier and make a one day trip to Fuji.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  8. Denise Lagayan says:
    January 14, 2014 at 3:22 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    Can I get your opinion if it’s worth getting the 7days JR pass or buying single tickets for our Family trip on February 17 – 28, 2014?

    We are going to arrive in Kansai on February 17, 2014, 19:55 and our friend from Nagoya will fetch us then we will go straight to Nagoya. Our plan is to book hotel room in Tokyo (one night only) and not to book a hotel room in Osaka.

    Here is our itinerary:

    Day 1 February 18: Start of Jr pass Nagoya to Tokyo – Tokyo temples and castles then go back to Nagoya.
    Day 2 February 19: Nagoya to Tokyo Sightseeing / Sanrio then go back to Nagoya.
    Day 3 February 20: Nagoya to Tokyo – Disneyland (sleep in Tokyo)
    Day 4 February 21: Tokyo
    To Mt. Fuji – Sightseeing then go back to Nagoya.
    Day 5 February 22: Nagoya to Osaka – Sightseeing (Temples and Castles) then go back to Nagoya.
    Day 6 February 23: Nagoya to Osaka – Universal Studios then go back to Nagoya.
    Day 7 February 24: Nagoya to Kyoto – Sightseeing then go back to Nagoya.

    Day 8 to 11 February 25-28: Nagoya with our friend. Depart from KIX..

    Is this Itinerary possible? Can you help me which train to ride and what time we should ride for our daily Itinerary to be possible? Thank you so much in advance!

    • JPRail says:
      January 14, 2014 at 12:58 pm

      Hi Denise,

      I have received exactly same inquiry from Sherwin. And I answered already. You can find it just below this comment.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  9. Sherwin says:
    January 13, 2014 at 4:00 pm

    Hi Takeshi,

    Can I get your opinion if it’s worth getting the 7days JR pass or buying single tickets for our Family trip on February 17 – 28, 2014?

    We are going to arrive in Kansai on February 17, 2014, 19:55 and our friend from Nagoya will fetch us then we will go straight to Nagoya. Our plan is to book hotel room in Tokyo (one night only) and not to book a hotel room in Osaka.

    Here is our itinerary:

    Day 1 February 18: Start of Jr pass Nagoya to Tokyo – Tokyo temples and castles then go back to Nagoya.
    Day 2 February 19: Nagoya to Tokyo Sightseeing / Sanrio then go back to Nagoya.
    Day 3 February 20: Nagoya to Tokyo – Disneyland (sleep in Tokyo)
    Day 4 February 21: Tokyo
    To Mt. Fuji – Sightseeing then go back to Nagoya.
    Day 5 February 22: Nagoya to Osaka – Sightseeing (Temples and Castles) then go back to Nagoya.
    Day 6 February 23: Nagoya to Osaka – Universal Studios then go back to Nagoya.
    Day 7 February 24: Nagoya to Kyoto – Sightseeing then go back to Nagoya.

    Day 8 to 11 February 25-28: Nagoya with our friend. Depart from KIX..

    Is this Itinerary possible? Can you help me which train to ride and what time we should ride for our daily Itinerary to be possible? Thank you so much in advance!

  10. Wobb says:
    January 13, 2014 at 7:14 am

    First, Arigato Gosaimasu, Takeshi-San

    refer to my previous question. I decided to switch Kawaguchiko to Day 2 and 3 then back to Tokyo for another 2 nights as per your recommendation. Kanto area pass would be a bargain for us for that trip.

    I still have some more question:

    – Does Kaisei Skyliner covered by Kanto Area Pass? we’ll be staying in Ueno and checking from Hyperdia it seems that takin the Skyliner would be easier for us to access our hotel.

    – during our second leg in tokyo, should we use Suica or just pay single fare? my understanding is that we can use Suica in Osaka-kyoto area but cannot get refund in osaka. would using suica cover our trip from Osaka-Kyoto?

    – Not to sure about purchasing of Kanto area pass and Kansai Thru pass – can they be purchase before we arrive in Japan?

    – what would be the ‘rush hour’ time to avoid getting on train? don’t wanna let my mom (65yo) got crushed on the train.

    thank you so much.

    • JPRail says:
      January 13, 2014 at 5:02 pm

      Hi Wobb san,

      1. Keisai Skyliver is not covered by any passes by JR because it’s different company. I understand Skyliner is faster than Narita Express. That’s right. It is super fast. I took this train in last Feb.
      https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/trip-to-tohoku-and-nagano-in-2013-winter-part-1-from-narita-airport-to-ueno.html

      But as long as you use Kanto Area Pass, you have to pay fully for taking Skyliner.

      2. I don’t think you need to purchase Suica. Suica is just pre-paid card. It’s very convenient but you cannot get any discount. Single fare is fine for your trip.

      3. Kanto Area Pass can be purchased online, but you don’t need to. It takes 10 minutes to issue it at Narita airport.
      Kansai Thru Pass cannot be purchased in advance. Please see the selling location at the following link:
      http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html

      4. Don’t take a train between 7:00 am and 9:00 am. All trains are packed in Tokyo and Osaka. Shinkansen is okay as long as you reserve a seat.
      When you purchase Kanto Area Pass at Narita, complete to book for your trip to Osaka from Tokyo.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

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